EULOGY DR. FRANCIS ( FRANK ) JOHN COYNE 4th May 1928 – 18th March 2010 – Aged 81 By: Terry Coyne - 25th March 2010 • I would like to thank, on behalf of our family, my niece Vivien for her singing performance today, it was Dads request that Vivien sing and organize the music. • Dad would be very proud of her & all of his 10 grandchildren who have each played a role in this celebration mass. I am honored, to deliver this eulogy for my father, at this celebration of his life. Since last Thursday, I have spoken to many of Dads family & friends, who all eagerly told me a story, of a special time or event that they shared with Dad, the stories are varied in so many ways, but the thing I noticed with all of them, was that each person, had a huge smile on their face, as they told their story, and the common theme was, that he was a good man. Dad’s life is not adequately defined by statistics and records, however, as his network of friends, have been collected, over many stages of his life, it is fitting that I provide an executive summary of his life. Francis John Coyne, was born on the 4th of May 1928 at Denholme Private Hospital Darling Point. He was the first born of 7 children to Dr Francis Snr and Mary Irene Coyne. The family home in Lang Rd Centennial Park, was the venue for many memorable events in Dads life. From 1939 – 1944, Dad attended Waverley College, completing Year 5 to the Leaving Certificate. Legend has it that, Slim or Splinter Coyne, as he was known in those days was a fearsome fast bowler, a hard tackling breakaway, a good swimmer and handball player. Dad started his Medical Degree in 1945 at the age of 16, he wouldn’t have known it at the time but he was probably having a modern day GAP year & he failed his 1st Year of University. Having adjusted to the extra curricular demands of University he then completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Degrees from 1946 – 1951. He graduated in 1952. In 52 and 53 he was junior resident doctor at Lewisham Hospital. He then joined his father in the medical practice at Botany as a General Practitioner in 1954 and 55. In 1956 Dad was the Surgical Registrar at Lewisham Hospital and on the 2nd of April of the same year, married Kathryn Rummery in Lismore, in what I know from photos and stories was a truly memorable event. From 1957 to December 1988 Dad ran a very successful medical practice at Matraville, he and Mum lived the early years of their marriage in the adjoining house and their 5 children were born in the first 6 years of their marriage. As we outgrew the house at Matraville , moves followed to Dudley St Coogee and then in 1969 to Torrington Rd Maroubra ,which for most of us, was where the majority of our defining family events took place, including 18th & 21st birthdays, graduations, engagements, and weddings . In addition to his general practice Dad was the Sydney County Council Industrial Medical Officer from 1958 to 1961, The Australian Paper Mill Medical Officer from 1970 to 90. And Australian Glass Manufacturers Medical Officer from 1980 to 88 Dad retired in January 1989. On the day he retired, after handing over the keys, to the Doctor who had bought his practice, Dad went to New South Wales Golf Club, for his regular Friday golf game, on the 17th hole that day, dad had his first and only hole in one, a feat all golfers strive for. Following his retirement Mum & Dad moved to Port Macquarie for a couple of years, with the aim of being ½ way between Dads family in Sydney and Mums family in Lismore / Ballina. They were great years for them and my brother and sisters enjoyed cramming into their house for Xmas with the ever expanding group of grandchildren. Over the last few days our family have discussed the unique qualities that we saw in Dad, we came up with this list. • He had no malice • No deceit • No Greed • He wasn’t boastful • He wasn’t envious • He was a poor chipper of the golf ball. • He loved people • He made friends easily with people of all ages & from all walks of life. • He laughed easily & often • He was generous in many different ways & discreet in his generosity. • He had a tremendous work ethic. • He was humble. • He was extremely intelligent and an excellent doctor. • He was a good putter which he needed to be to make up for his poor chipping • He was patient and kind. • He had strong beliefs & morals yet he did not impose them on others. If you consider those qualities, without knowing the man, you could probably assume that Dad was a bit of a prude, which is far from the truth. Dad was also a mans man, there are a few of his friends in today’s audience, who have fond memories of the card nights, the “friday school” golf games, where the settling up and putting competitions under lights, at New South Wales Golf Club, were known to extend till well after the kids went to bed, Saturday afternoons at the Oceanic for a beer and a bet. His 40th birthday party went all night, & the 50th to 3am. Even into his 70s with failing health he met a couple of times a week at Bondi Beach with 3 mates from his school days, they called themselves the “Fabulous 4” & they walked the promenade, admiring the assorted views. They hold an interesting record as the only group, never to pass anyone that was heading in the same direction, Dad as the youngest of the group was the leader and pacesetter. Dr Frank Coyne and the beautiful young St Vincent’s nurse, Kay Rummery, met at New South Wales Golf Club over 54 years ago, they have lived, a modern day love story, and have never wavered from their commitment to each other. The photos of Mum & Dad at the races, on overseas trips and other events, show us clearly the fun they shared as a young couple. Dad was equally comfortable to spend a Day at the races dining and buying the drinks for the ladies, whilst his mates, wandered the betting ring, trying to get some late mail, this got Dad plenty of brownie points. As a family we have the most wonderful memories of growing up together, and family holidays, which always involved other family and friends, with plenty of activities, including horse riding, fishing, water skiing, surfing and golf. At Dads 70th birthday he made a speech which we watched on DVD recently and I believe it is appropriate to be repeated in part today….. Dad said. “I am sorry my parents aren’t alive to hear all these wonderful things being said about me, I know that my father would have approved and my mother would have believed them. “ He went on to say that, “he has had a fortunate life, a wonderful family and a wonderful circle of friends. He said his major achievement had been meeting and marrying my mother and that he thanked God often for his good fortune. He said that together they had produced 5 children of whom they are extremely proud; who with his, 2 Daughters in- law and 2 Sons in- law had produced 10 grandchildren, in his words a complete and happy family”. Dad said that “he loved people “and quoted the saying that “people who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” Despite the health challenges he faced in the later part of his life, Dad was the happiest man, who through, his genuine interest, in his family and friends, continued, to live a satisfying life, full of love, till the end. Frank Coyne loved us all, We loved him, And I am happy to say, He knew we all loved him We will always love him.

My memory of Dr. Francis John Coyne was of kindness, understanding and trust. A great doctor. He was my family Doctor until retirement. I always think of him, and was at Mass at OLSH Randwick when his Passing was mentioned. I was so sad. I wrote to him when he moved away to Port Macquarie Long ago, and I will always keep the beautiful letter he wrote to me. Dr. Coyne was so kind always to my chronically ill mother. We have lost one of the very best. Sincerely, Rosemary Kerrigan.